THOUSANDS of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been delivered to businesses and social care workers through a collaborative effort led by Clacksfirst Business Improvement District (BID).

After receiving money through the government-backed BID Resilience Fund, Clacksfirst approached Alloa-based manufacturer Thredgards and asked if they could start producing PPE for local organisations during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

And as the Advertiser reported back in May, Thredgards agreed to start producing face visors – dubbed Hedgards – almost immediately.

Now, several months on, it can be revealed that almost 6,000 Hedgards have been handed out so far, with many more still to come.

Kevin Deighan, from Clacksfirst BID, said: "We do have the resources to deliver more visors.

"As we move into winter and the possibility of a second wave, we will continue to promote the availability of the visors to those organisations delivering a fantastic care service as well as the business community."

The Hedgards help reduce the potential spread of Covid-19 by preventing infectious droplets from entering the eyes, nose and mouth of those wearing them.

David Haswell, Thredgards' general manager, said: "Over the past few months, it's been a pleasure for Thredgards to support Clacksfirst BID and the local community, especially the social care sector, with our Hedgard face shield.

"As a result, other local companies have approached us to purchase visors, which we are more than happy to do.

"Thredgards will continue to do what it can to help businesses to continue to operate."

Organisations and businesses that have received donations of the PPE so far include Forth Valley Sensory Centre, Transform Forth Valley, Scottish Autism, and Ochil Fudge Pantry.

Dorry McLaughlin, Scottish Autism's chief executive, said the organisation was "delighted and grateful" for the donation, and she also added: "These will be used by our support staff when caring for the autistic people we support in the local community."